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RCom today announced the launch of 3G services on its GSM network. Like most other private carriers, RCom is offering HSPA+ services with theoretical speeds of up to 21 Mbps. The 3G network is live in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chandigarh at the moment with plans to launch it in all 13 circles where RCom has 3G spectrum by the end of this fiscal year. RCom has spectrum to offer 3G services in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa and Assam.

Unlike Tata DoCoMo, which offers tiered data pricing depending on the data transfer speed, RCom has announced a simple tariff structure that is independent of speed. The data speed will depend on the capabilities of the device used. Also, RCom won’t distinguish whether a connection is used on a cellphone, a USB modem or an Internet Tablet. The same SIM card can be used across devices.

Data tariff plans start from Rs 100 a month for 100 MB and go up to Rs 2,100 for 21 GB.

In addition, RCom is also offering Pay As You Go (PAYG) plans where subscribers will be charged 10 paise/10 KB if their consumption is under 50 MB in a monthand 1 paisa/10 KB if they exceed 50 MB of usage. There is also a 25 MB 1-day pack for Rs 20 and a 125 MB 1-week pack for Rs 98. RCom will also offer two USB modems – an HSDPA 7.2 Mbps capable modem for Rs 2,599 and an HSPA+ 21 Mbps USB modem for Rs 4,499. Both these modems would be unlocked.

RCom won’t be offering video calling service at the moment as it awaits government clearance to offer the service. Other services on offer include a mobile TV service that would mimic RCom’s DTH service. It will offer over 120 channels with an electronic programme guide where users can set reminders for their favourite shows. Users will be able to subscribe to individual channels or packs for daily, weekly or monthly durations. Unlike other mobile TV services, users won’t have to pay data transfer charges while watching a channel. Which means, watching mobile TV won’t eat up your data plan.

We hope to get hold of a RCom 3G connection soon and review its service. Stay tuned in.